Key Highlights

• Stablecoins designated as foreign exchange payment mechanisms
• Enhanced regulatory monitoring for international stablecoin transactions
• Interest-bearing stablecoin products prohibited nationwide
• Real-world asset tokens require regulated trust custody backing
• Digital asset framework harmonized with conventional financial regulations

South Korean regulators are introducing a comprehensive framework that incorporates stablecoins and tokenized assets into the nation’s current financial regulatory system. The upcoming regulations represent a significant move toward enhanced supervision of international payment flows and blockchain-based asset instruments. Authorities seek to maintain consistency between emerging digital assets and established financial market protocols while mitigating systemic vulnerabilities.

Cross-Border Payment Oversight Anchors Stablecoin Strategy

Regulatory authorities in South Korea intend to designate stablecoins as foreign exchange payment vehicles under current legislation. This classification enables oversight bodies to supervise international stablecoin transfers without establishing new licensing categories. The strategy incorporates stablecoin operations into proven regulatory frameworks already governing financial transactions.

South Korea will carve out specific exceptions for domestic transactions from foreign exchange disclosure obligations. These carve-outs apply to purchases of goods and services within predetermined thresholds. International transfers will remain subject to comprehensive foreign exchange monitoring protocols.

Authorities propose eliminating all interest-generating mechanisms for stablecoin deposits regardless of structure. This prohibition prevents issuers from providing return-generating features that could attract users seeking investment opportunities. The regulations position stablecoins exclusively as transaction mediums rather than wealth-building instruments.

The Financial Services Commission will establish technical interoperability benchmarks under the proposed framework. These benchmarks facilitate smooth operations across diverse blockchain infrastructures. The approach balances technological flexibility with regulatory oversight requirements.

Asset-Backed Tokens Face Trust Custody Mandates

South Korean authorities plan mandatory trust-based custody for all tokenized representations of physical assets. These requirements draw authority from the Capital Markets Act. Token issuers must place underlying assets within approved custodial arrangements subject to regulatory supervision.

South Korea is working to incorporate blockchain-based assets into current financial product taxonomies. This incorporation enforces transparency, auditing, and regulatory compliance obligations parallel to conventional securities. Asset tokens would operate under well-established financial governance structures.

Regulators prioritize asset security through formalized custody arrangements. Managed trust structures provide token holders with legally enforceable claims on backing assets. The framework minimizes exposure to custodial failures or fraudulent asset representation.

This regulatory draft addresses specific gaps while leaving broader cryptocurrency policy questions unresolved. Topics including exchange ownership concentration and banking access remain outside the current proposal’s scope. Nevertheless, the framework advances systematic oversight of digital financial instruments.

National Policy Mirrors International Regulatory Evolution

South Korea’s regulatory direction parallels worldwide initiatives targeting stablecoins and tokenized instruments. International regulators increasingly apply existing financial statutes to blockchain-based products. This methodology circumvents prolonged legislative processes associated with developing entirely new legal codes.

The approach reflects previous warnings from South Korea’s monetary authority concerning financial system stability. Officials have identified domestic stablecoins as potential factors affecting capital movement patterns and currency valuation. Enhanced regulatory control supports macroeconomic policy objectives.

South Korea is responding to markets where tokenized assets have experienced substantial valuation growth. Worldwide implementation spans government securities, property holdings, and commodity markets. Defined regulatory parameters could enable controlled expansion domestically.

The nation reinforces an emerging global pattern of incorporating distributed ledger technology within supervised financial systems. The regulatory structure demonstrates that blockchain-based instruments will conform to traditional financial oversight standards. South Korea establishes its position within a compliance-oriented digital asset environment.

MEXC has named Vugar Usi as its new chief executive, signaling a sharpened push for global licensing as the exchange pursues a MiCA authorization in the European Union. The leadership shift appears to be part of a broader brand refresh and a strategic pivot toward an “everything exchange” model in a competitive landscape that spans centralized venues and decentralized rivals.

Usi joined MEXC as chief operating officer in late 2025 after previously serving in the same role at rival Bitget. In a conversation with Cointelegraph, he outlined plans to preserve the exchange’s low-fee trading ethos while expanding multi-asset access and reinforcing regulatory compliance across jurisdictions. “The MiCA license application is a top strategic priority for the company,” he said, adding that MEXC is actively preparing to establish a fully compliant business entity within the EU.

Key takeaways

• MEXC elevates COO Vugar Usi to CEO, aligning leadership with a concerted push for global licensing, including MiCA in the EU.
• MiCA licensing is described by Usi as a top strategic priority, with proactive steps under way to build an EU-compliant entity.
• Regulatory headwinds persist: Dutch authorities flagged MEXC in September 2025 for offering crypto services without a licensed footprint in the Netherlands.
• Market position and growth: CoinGecko places MEXC among fast-rising exchanges with reported daily volumes around $2.2 billion, while CryptoQuant counts it in the top tier of growth alongside peers like Gate and Coinbase.
• Strategic partnerships and ventures: MEXC has collaborated with Hacken for monthly proof-of-reserves audits and has ties to The Open Network (TON) via MEXC Ventures, dating back to late 2023.

A strategic leadership move amid a global licensing push

The leadership transition signals MEXC’s intent to accelerate its evolution from a high-velocity trading venue into a regulated, compliant platform with broader access to assets and markets. In speaking with Cointelegraph, Usi reframed the move as part of a long-term effort to balance growth with responsible oversight, especially as the industry faces intensified scrutiny in Europe and beyond.

Beyond the EU, Usi indicated that MEXC monitors regulatory developments worldwide, aiming to position the exchange to operate under a mosaic of license regimes rather than rely on a single jurisdiction. This approach aligns with the company’s public emphasis on expanding regulatory compatibility while maintaining cost-efficient trading for users.

EU licensing path and regulatory background

The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) represents a comprehensive licensing framework for crypto-asset service providers. MEXC’s leadership frames MiCA enrollment as a strategic necessity to unlock ongoing access to European users, though the company has not disclosed granular timelines or the exact structure of its EU entity. In recent conversations, Usi affirmed that MiCA licensing remains a top priority and that MEXC is actively preparing to operate as a compliant EU entity when the process unfolds.

Contextually, the EU licensing race is already crowded. Binance, the largest global exchange by reported volume, applied for a MiCA license in Greece in January as part of the broader regulatory push across member states. The landscape is politically sensitive and highly competitive, with exchanges weighing compliance costs and the potential benefits of a formal green light to operate across multiple EU jurisdictions.

However, EU regulators have not granted blanket approval to all applicants. MEXC has been labeled non-compliant by European authorities after the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) flagged the platform in September 2025 for offering crypto services without the required license in the Netherlands. The regulatory status highlights the ongoing friction between rapid global expansion and the compliance moat that MiCA seeks to establish.

As part of the broader regulatory narrative, industry coverage has underscored tensions around centralized exchanges, licensing, and cross-border operations. A related discussion in crypto policy circles has examined how jurisdictions like Malta interact with ESMA oversight, illustrating the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the licensing race.

Related reading: Centralizing crypto: Why Malta’s clash with ESMA is about more than one small state.

MEXC’s growth trajectory and partnerships

Even as regulatory questions flow, MEXC has demonstrated rapid growth and expanding partnerships. CoinGecko tracks daily trading volumes for MEXC at approximately $2.2 billion, underscoring the exchange’s scale in active crypto markets. CryptoQuant places MEXC among the top three exchanges in its Exchange Leader Index, alongside Binance and Gate, and notes strong growth trajectories for MEXC and its peers.

The exchange has also pursued strategic collaborations to bolster transparency and governance. Notably, MEXC partnered with the blockchain security firm Hacken for monthly proof-of-reserves audits to enhance transparency for users. On the venture side, MEXC Ventures has supported The Open Network (TON), with TON securing funding in late 2023 as part of the broader push to align traditional exchanges with Web3 ecosystems.

Brand evolution in a crowded market

The leadership transition accompanies a broader brand reset that mirrors an industry-wide shift toward “everything exchange” models. As competitors accelerate diversification—spanning spot, derivatives, staking, and decentralized alternatives—the market is watching how operators balance nimble execution with rigorous compliance. Coverage of industry moves, including the Arkham Exchange pivot toward a decentralized model, illustrates the tension between centralized platforms and decentralized alternatives in shaping future user experiences.

Looking ahead, the path to MiCA approval will be a pivotal determinant of MEXC’s EU footprint. The ongoing regulatory dialogue in Europe will influence not only licensing timelines but also how exchanges design governance, compliance programs, and cross-border operations. For investors and users, the unfolding strategy offers a lens into how fast-growing exchanges navigate a more consolidated and regulated crypto landscape.

Readers should watch how MEXC negotiates MiCA readiness—whether an EU entity is established, how licensing milestones progress, and what this means for offerings across Europe. The regulatory climate remains fluid, and the ultimate outcome will shape competitive dynamics across global crypto markets in the months ahead.

Arkham Intelligence announced it will remove support for the TON blockchain from its Arkham Intel platform on Wednesday, April 8 at 12pm EST. The decision follows a periodic review of chain integrations, with Arkham citing user demand and the blockchain’s importance to the crypto ecosystem as key evaluation factors.

Arkham regularly evaluates its chain integrations to determine which blockchains warrant continued maintenance and support on the platform. The removal of TON comes as Arkham maintains its intelligence and on-chain analytics services across other major blockchain networks.

Sources: Arkham

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

A firm issuing stablecoins in the U.S. would have an array of new duties to head off criminals and keep government watchdogs informed about malicious actors, according to rules poised for proposal by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that were reviewed by CoinDesk.

A joint proposal from the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will outline the deep controls that stablecoin businesses would have to put in place, including abilities to “block, freeze and reject” transactions and internal protections to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act that governs most of the U.S. financial system.

In one of the most significant moves yet to implement last year’s Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act — the first major crypto-sector law for the U.S. — the two arms of the Treasury Department that police illicit finance are setting out a tailored approach for stablecoin firms, which will be opened for a public comment period and potential revisions before it’s finalized. But the agencies are also sending a message of deference to the industry, suggesting the companies understand their own hazards best.

A summary of the joint proposal reviewed by CoinDesk said it’s focused on effectiveness “and that financial institutions are best positioned to identify and evaluate their money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit finance risks.” The department’s effort contends that a firm that’s running appropriate money-laundering preventions is generally safe from enforcement actions unless it’s showing “a significant or systemic failure to maintain that program.”

On that money-laundering front, FinCEN would expect stablecoin issuers’ programs to be able to halt specifically flagged transactions and to know where to devote “more attention and resources toward higher-risk customers and activities.” When the U.S. authorities are pursuing a specific target, the regulated issuers subjected to this proposed rule would have to scour their own records for any activity tied to individuals or entities flagged by FinCEN.

Also, the issuers will be expected to act as allies in the agency’s pursuit of entities identified as “primary money laundering concerns.” As recently as 2023, the agency had sought to tag crypto mixers such as Tornado Cash under that label, though earlier this year, the Treasury Department reversed course to suggest that mixers could serve legitimate and legal privacy uses.

On the sanctions front, OFAC would require stablecoin issuers run risk-based safeguards for stablecoin activity on primary or secondary markets, and the policies must spot and reject transactions “that may violate or would violate U.S. sanctions.” Sanction missteps — including past flagrant violations — have been a critical concern of crypto industry detractors, including recent scrutiny focused on the world’s biggest exchange, Binance.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that his department’s latest efforts “will protect the U.S. financial system from national security threats without hindering American companies’ ability to forge ahead in the payment stablecoin ecosystem.”

The crypto industry and its stablecoin leaders — including Tether, Circle, Ripple and the firm partially owned and controlled by the family of President Donald Trump, World Liberty Financial — have been awaiting regulation that helps further establish their bespoke assets as safe and reliable. Some tensions remain in the wider crypto community, which has had a tumultuous relationship with governments since its beginnings, when its founding principles aimed to keep cryptocurrencies outside of government control.

The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector remains a space that seeks to cut away intermediaries and maintain direct interactions, but the illicit-finance controls for that arena are still unresolved in the ongoing negotiations among the industry, securities sector and lawmakers over the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the U.S. Senate. While the Treasury’s stablecoin proposal and others from U.S. financial regulators are beginning to sketch out the guardrails, wide swaths of crypto activity still need to be addressed.

Earlier this year, a third arm of the Treasury — the independent Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that regulates national banks and trusts — proposed its standards and procedures for issuers it’ll watch as the primary federal regulator. This week, its sister regulator, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. did the same with a largely parallel proposal.

The GENIUS Act is meant to go into full effect by 2027. Well before that, firms have been pursuing charters and partnerships to get involved in stablecoins. The Trump-tied World Liberty, for instance, applied for a charter as a trust bank in January and manages the USD1 stablecoin.

The company is under fresh scrutiny this week after reportedly being unaware that its AB DAO partner was involved in a project with potential ties to Cambodia’s Prince Group, the target of major U.S. investigations, sanctioning and the seizure last year of a record $14 billion in bitcoin BTC$71,256.15. Those types of business relationships at stablecoin issuers would be under stringent new industry-managed controls in the Treasury Department’s pending proposal.

AI trading apps reshape investing in 2026 as beginners adopt automated stock and crypto strategies.

In 2026, the world of investing is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI). Whether someone is looking to trade stocks or cryptocurrencies, AI-powered trading apps have made it easier than ever for beginners to get started with automated trading. 

These platforms are designed to eliminate the complexity of traditional trading, offering hands-off solutions that allow users to generate passive income with minimal effort. For those who are beginners and are looking to dive into AI trading, this guide is an introduction to the top 8 AI stock and crypto trading apps for 2026.

1. MoneyFlare – Best fully automated AI Trading system for stocks and crypto

Overview:
MoneyFlare stands out as the top choice for beginners looking for a truly automated trading experience. This platform uses AI-driven quantitative strategies to handle both stock and cryptocurrency trading, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Key Features:

• Fully managed AI quant trading system for both stocks and cryptocurrencies
• No setup required, pre-built strategies
• Works seamlessly across both asset classes
• Continuous optimization of strategies without user management

Why choose it:
Perfect for those who want a completely hands-off trading experience, MoneyFlare operates 24/7, ensuring that users don’t need to monitor the market actively, whether in stocks or crypto.

Click to visit and register to receive a free $10 real reward and a $50 trial credit!

2. Pionex – Best for no-code crypto trading automation

Overview:
Pionex is a crypto trading app that offers AI-powered automation without the need for APIs. Pionex integrates its trading bots directly into its exchange, making it simpler for beginners to start trading cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

• Built-in trading bots (16+ options)
• No API integration required
• Automatic grid trading and DCA
• User-friendly interface

Why choose it:
With Pionex, there is no need for technical knowledge to use the bots, making it an ideal choice for crypto newbies looking to automate their trading.

3. TradeSanta – Best for entry-level crypto trading automation

Overview:
TradeSanta is an AI trading platform designed for beginners who want to automate their crypto trading with minimal complexity. It provides a straightforward setup and allows users to get started quickly with cryptocurrency trading.

Key Features:

• 24/7 automated trading for crypto
• Smart trading terminal with customizable settings
• Cloud-based platform for easy access
• Affordable pricing and demo options

Why choose it:
TradeSanta is great for entry-level users, offering an intuitive interface and access to both grid and DCA bots without the need for complex configuration, making it perfect for crypto beginners.

4. 3Commas – Best for flexible stock & crypto trading strategies

Overview:
For those who want a little more control over their strategies while still benefiting from automation, 3Commas provides a flexible AI platform. Users can fine-tune their strategies while letting the AI handle execution, whether for stocks or cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

• SmartTrade terminal with advanced features
• Customizable trading strategies for both stocks and crypto
• Multiple integrations with popular exchanges
• Backtesting for strategy optimization

Why choose it:
3Commas is a versatile choice for beginners who want to move beyond basic bots and explore more tailored trading approaches in both stock and crypto markets.

5. Cryptohopper – Best for copy trading in crypto and stocks

Overview:
Cryptohopper is a top-rated platform for beginners interested in copy trading. With its marketplace of pre-built strategies, even beginners can follow successful traders’ strategies without needing to know the intricacies of trading in either stocks or cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

• Copy trading and marketplace for stocks and crypto
• AI-powered optimization of strategies
• Supports stocks and cryptocurrencies
• Mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go trading

Why choose it:
Cryptohopper allows beginners to harness the expertise of professional traders, making it an easy entry point into AI trading for those who prefer to follow established strategies in both asset classes.

6. Coinrule – Best for no-code strategy building in crypto

Overview:
Coinrule offers an intuitive, no-code interface for building personalized trading strategies. It’s great for beginners who want to customize their approach to cryptocurrency trading without needing to learn how to code.

Key Features:

• No-code strategy builder for crypto trading
• Pre-built templates for easy setup
• Automatic execution of strategies
• Supports a wide range of exchanges

Why choose it:
Coinrule is a fantastic option for beginners who want to experiment with their own strategies without needing technical expertise in crypto trading. Its ease of use makes it ideal for users who prefer a DIY approach.

7. HaasOnline – Best for advanced automation in stocks and crypto

Overview:
HaasOnline is a powerful platform that caters to beginners and experienced traders alike, offering advanced automation features without requiring technical expertise. Its AI-powered system enables users to set up automated trading strategies for both stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

• Advanced technical analysis tools
• AI-powered trading strategies for both asset classes
• Customizable bots for stocks and crypto
• Supports a wide range of exchanges

Why Choose It:
HaasOnline is ideal for those who want both simplicity and powerful trading features. It’s great for beginners who want to explore advanced automation without a steep learning curve in both stocks and crypto markets.

8. Botcrypto – Best for simple crypto trading automation

Overview:
Botcrypto is a beginner-friendly AI trading app designed for those looking to automate their cryptocurrency trading with minimal setup. It’s perfect for those who want a straightforward approach to crypto trading.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for strategy creation
• Integration with multiple crypto exchanges
• Cloud-based for easy access
• Pre-set strategies available

Why choose it:
Botcrypto offers an easy way to get started in crypto trading with automated strategies. Its drag-and-drop feature makes it one of the simplest platforms for beginners to use, especially for crypto.

Conclusion

As AI continues to reshape the financial landscape, these 8 AI stock and crypto trading apps are at the forefront of helping beginners get started with automated trading. Whether someone is looking to trade stocks or cryptocurrencies, these platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, AI-driven automation, and risk management features that make it easier to generate passive income.

For beginners in 2026, there’s no better time to take advantage of AI-powered trading tools. Start with platforms like MoneyFlare or Pionex for a completely hands-off experience in stocks and crypto, or explore more customizable options like 3Commas or Coinrule to fine-tune trading strategies.

Whichever platform someone chooses, make sure to start with small investments, understand the risks involved, and adjust their strategies as needed to maximize profits. Happy trading!

MEXC appointed Vugar Usi as CEO on Wednesday, elevating the executive as the exchange steps up its push for global licensing, including under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework.

MEXC said Usi joined the company as chief operating officer in late 2025 after previously serving in the same position at rival exchange Bitget.

In his new role, Usi said MEXC plans to preserve its low-fee trading focus while expanding broader multi-asset access on the platform.

The CEO told Cointelegraph that MEXC is actively pursuing licensing opportunities globally, including a MiCA license in the EU.

MEXC’s changes come alongside a broader brand update, highlighting an industry-wide shift toward “everything exchange” models amid growing competition from decentralized rivals.

MiCA license a “top strategic priority”

Operating across multiple regions worldwide, MEXC “consistently maintains a close watch” on the global regulatory landscape, Usi told Cointelegraph.

“The MiCA license application is a top strategic priority for the company,” he said, adding that the company is engaged in proactive preparations to establish a fully compliant business entity within the EU.

MEXC did not provide additional details on its MiCA licensing plans. The company is currently labeled non-compliant by European regulators after Dutch authorities flagged the platform in September 2025 for providing crypto services in the Netherlands without holding the required license.

Related: Centralizing crypto: Why Malta’s clash with ESMA is about more than one small state

Some major exchanges are still working through Europe’s MiCA process, showing how competitive and politically sensitive the licensing race has become. Binance, the world’s largest exchange by reported volume, applied for a MiCA license in Greece in January.

MEXC posts rapid growth in crypto market

Founded in April 2018, MEXC has emerged as one of the fastest-growing CEXs globally, with reported daily trading volumes of around $2.2 billion, according to CoinGecko.

Crypto analytics platform CryptoQuant named MEXC as one of the top three exchanges in its Exchange Leader Index alongside Binance and Gate, with the exchange also ranking among those with the strongest growth alongside Gate and Coinbase.

Related: Binance led Q1 crypto derivatives as Hyperliquid cracked top 10: CoinGlass

The company has scored major partnerships, including an auditing collaboration with the blockchain security platform Hacken. MEXC also closely collaborated with The Open Network (TON), which secured funding from its venture arm, MEXC Ventures, in late 2023.

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